Iain Dooley checks out Kia's good-value and well-received Cee'd family hatchback.

Engines – Although there's an almost even balance between petrol and diesel, for many private buyers it's the former that proves more attractive. Boasting smooth, refined and quiet performance, it's hard to go wrong.

Exterior – The car's initial conservative styling recently gave way to, well, more of the same. Save for the presence of the Kia 'family' nose, the Cee'd remains an easy-on-the-eye family hatch.

Interior – Forget any preconceptions you may have, the Cee'd's cabin is both well built and spacious. It might not be up to Volkswagen standards but it's pretty close. Well-equipped and refined, there are plenty of European influences.

Driving – Biased more towards comfort and refinement than out-and-out driver enjoyment, the Cee'd is an easy car to pilot. The light controls, good forward visibility and refinement make it an easy car to live with.

Ownership – With its solid construction, high levels of refinement and ease of use, it's easy to see the appeal of Kia's family hatchback. A great car for undemanding owners, its comfortable cabin, sensible specification, durable nature and seven-year warranty from new should prove attractive.

What to look for – For a car this new a full history is essential. Also look for parking scrapes and dents – a legacy of modern city life. Kerbed wheels could be hiding more serious damage, while the cabin should be pristine.

Model history – 2007, Kia launches all-new Cee'd, its family hatchback to challenge the best from Europe. Modest range of petrol and diesel engines offered, delivering conservative but refined performance. Good levels of standard equipment boosted the value-for-money proposition.

Reasons to buy – Bang-for-buck performance, cabin space, comfort and refinement.

Reasons to beware – Brand image, badge snobs, dark cabin plastics, not for keen drivers.

Pick of the range – Cee'd 1.6 GS five-door.

What to pay – 2007 07 �6,325; 2007 57 �6,575; 2008 08 �7,400; 2008 58 �7,775; 2009 09 �8,350; 2010 59 �9,025. Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.